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The current generation Hyundai Elite i20 was first launched on August 11, 2014 and now the model is up for a mid-cycle update which will be marketed as 2018 Elite i20 facelift. A heavily camouflaged unit of the next-gen model has been caught on camera for the first time while testing somewhere in Chennai. Along with the 2018 Elite i20, a test mule of all new Verna was also rounding up which is likely to hit the market around August this year.
Image Source: AutoCarIndia
The carmaker is likely to launch the facelift version of Elite i 20 in early 2018. We can also expect the global debut of the model in India at 2018 Auto Expo.
Though the spied model was heavily camouflaged, the exterior design changes can still be noticed. The front fascia gets a number of styling cues and an entirely redesigned profile which bring it more close to newly launched siblings such as the Grand i10, Xcent, premium Elantra sedan and the upcoming Verna sedan. With the upcoming new launches, Hyundai is completely replacing the two-part grille pattern with the single large grille featuring the ‘Cascade’ pattern. You can notice the same grille pattern on the recently launched compact sedan, the Xcent facelift and the 2017 Hyundai i30.
Again similar to the latest i30, the Elite i20 facelift features sharper and sleeker headlamps than those of the outgoing model. Moving at the rear, the number plate has been moved slightly up from rear bumper to the trunk. One can also notice several subtle changes to the tail lamps. This time we can expect LED pair for the tail lamps on the 2018 model in India. On the sides, the upcoming i20 remains unchanged, however, receives a new set of alloy wheels whose design is inspired from those offered on the European version of i20 Active.
Image Source: AutoCarIndia
No certain details inside the cabin have been come out so far, however, we can expect a new upholstery along with subtle change on the interiors. The new 7.0-inch infotainment unit which made available recently in the range with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is likely to feature on the 2018 Elite i20 as well.
Under the hood, the facelift Elite i20 is expected to continue with the existing powertrains - the 1.2 petrol (5-Speed Manual Transmission), the 1.4-litre diesel (6-Speed Manual Transmission) and the 1.4-litre petrol (4-Speed Automatic Transmission).
Considering the popularity of the hatchback, Hyundai could also introduce its 1.0-litre T-GDi 3-cylinder turbo petrol machine in India. The same setup is currently being offered on the European version of the facelift Elite i20. This engine produces the maximum power of 100PS or 120PS of max power and 171 Nm of peak torque and the motor is further coupled to a six-speed manual transmission.
Once launched, the 2018 Elite i20 will lock the horns against the likes of the Baleno RS, Polo GT and the recently launched Ford Figo S and Polo GT Sport.
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